Teri Stickler, Outdoor Blogger
Have you noticed? The leaves are starting to change. For me, it’s way too soon, but my bestie, Kaia, wanted to ferret out some fun places close to the QCA area where we could do a little hiking, enjoy the fresh air, take in the changing scenery. We landed on a trifecta: three spots, two are actual parks and one just a quick bonus. All three are in the Quad Cities metro area.
Hike Number 1: A Brand New Park
Amôwa Forest Preserve, 19500 Hubbard Road, East Moline, is a 179- acre forested area recently sold by the City of East Moline to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District in order to preserve its biodiversity and its natural environment.
A contest produced the name “Amôwa” which is the Sauk word for “bee.” A bio-blitz was held in June, identifying 899 species, and work was undertaken to plan and establish hiking trails within the wooded area and around the prairie.
Kaia and I used the west entrance and began our hike in the woods, then walked the perimeter of the prairie where we managed to surprise a deer resting in the tall grasses — never expecting anyone to come along and disturb her rest on that warm late summer day! This park is still new. We did find signage and a helpful map posted at the trailhead. We’d classify the trails as moderate difficulty. It will be nice to visit again later in the fall and, of course, Kaia’s choice, in winter when there is snow on the ground.
Hike Number 2: Hills in Port Byron
Next, we took an adventure to Dorrance Park, 307 Agnes Street, Port Byron, IL. We had heard of this park but had never visited. It features 80 acres, three trails, beginner, intermediate, advanced loops through hardwood forest. The park also includes ball diamonds, a playground, picnic shelter and bathroom. Our walk took us on a narrow, winding, dirt trail, offering loads of sensory stimulation for one member of our pack, and a pleasant walk for both of us. I cannot believe we had never discovered Dorrance Park until now, but we plan to come back again.
Along the way, a runner passed us and even stopped to share about a fallen tree over the path later along the trail. Another hiker stopped and gave help as to what trails went what way. For those of you heading to Dorrance, there is a trail map available online, or you can just wing it. It’s a fun park. Be sure to check it out.
Bonus Fall View Number 3: Incredible River Vista along I-80
If you decide to visit Amôwa or Dorrance, add in a stop at the I-80 Illinois Rest Stop and overlook. When heading out of Iowa and crossing the I-80 Bridge, I have always wanted to veer off but never took the time. What a shame! As your day wraps up, and hopefully you’ve planned for this, take a snack plus some kibble and water for your best furry friend. Maybe grab your binoculars and your camera and check out the expansive fall views of our majestic Mississippi River. It’s beautiful. Remember this spot too, when you have out of town guests, as they would like to see the Great Mississippi in all its fall glory.
Happy Fall Hiking!
